[Jung Sanghyun et alii]

I consider myself lucky, even in such an instance like this. No-one wants to be trapped in an elevator for hours with people you'd never want to deal with under ordinary circumstances. However, since I want to take the best from every experience, including this, I try to push self guilt out of my mind.

Slowly but steadily, the other people who're stuck here with me start realizing there's no more use in attacking me over a mistake. Yes, a serious one, but still a mistake. Not an intentional act as Bre initially suspected.

Roy asks for the hour. Sally extracts her phone from her pocket, only to realize her battery is completely off. She shrugs. "I'm sorry, I have no idea." She turns to me. "Maybe Mr. Button—I forgot his name—knows."

"It's Sanghyun," intervenes Lacey before I do. I admit Mr. Button does have a nice ring to it, though. If someone were to call me like that, I'd be okay.

In the meantime, it's Kaitlin who gives us the exact hour. She takes a look at her small watch. "It's 10pm. The mall will close in two hours. We don't have much time left," she points out rightfully. By the time it shuts down, no-one will save us and we'll be stuck until tomorrow morning.

I fear for the glare game to restart, since this new piece of information makes everyone uneasy. I have to keep them distracted. No, no more insults. They're counterproducting, unless they're directed to Leanne Betts.

I ask, "Are you all regulars here at this mall?" Well, apart from Lacey, who's known to have worked at that freaking shop. Her dismissal can easily pass off as a blessing in disguise—and I really hope every other employee follows suit and leaves.

They all nod, except Sally. "So, you only come once in a while, like me. Or is it the first time for you?" She gives me a confused glance. It doesn't look like she has grasped the meaning of my question.

"Oh, please, don't misunderstand me. I should've explained myself better. It's not the first time for me either—I've been here a couple of other times, out of boredom," I say, to which the rest join Sally in the parade of puzzled looks.

I try to justify myself. "Come on, who doesn't go to random places when you're bored?" No-one answers. "So, it's just me..." I scratch my head, realizing I've missed yet another golden opportunity to shut up.

"You're such a clown," comments Adam with a frown plastered on his face. It's not his usual threatening look, but it's still enough to annoy me again. I notice, and he turns to Bre, whispering something in her ear. I'd like to eavesdrop, but that'd be out of place, so I stay put.

Roy asks out of the blue, "Do you think they'll come to rescue us before midnight? I mean, I'm hungry!" He has a point. Even though I don't crave anything at the moment, it doesn't mean the others are fine with skipping dinner, all because of my stupidity.

Enough with that! I need to stay positive. I'm sure security called 911 and they'll get us out of here in time. I'm sure no-one will remember me anymore after this incident. Maybe I'll be banned from coming to this mall forever, but at least I'm not afraid of facing consequences.

I think of other questions I could ask the rest to kill some extra time when a voice echoes through the cabin. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is security talking to you. We alerted the company in charge of the elevator system, as well as 911, and will get you out of the lift. We ask you to stay still and not make abrupt movements."

"Does that mean we'll finally be out?" asks Roy, reaching a new peak of enthusiasm. Bre, on the other hand, groans. As a bridesmaid, she was supposed to prepare intensely for her bride's great day, but I've ruined her day.

I feel sorry for her, as well as the rest. Still dwelling in the past is useless, though. I have to make up for what I did, possibly in a convincing manner, unless I want to reignite a common sentiment of resentment and anger.

We stand idle as rescue operations begin. I can't find the courage to say a single word, even the stupidest one. Silence falls in the elevator, making me think of whether there's a chance for me to redeem myself in the short term. They'll all go back to their lives, all while thinking ill of me.

No, I must find my way to forgiveness with every means.

***

Finally we're out of this trap. Lacey is set to finally go back home after a hellish day, while the rest want to take advantage of the last few minutes of opening to see if the food court is still open.

"It's 11.30pm," says Kaitlin, checking her watch once again. "This means we have half an hour to check the food court before the mall shuts down." Apart from Lacey, everyone agrees.

I rebut in a joking tone. "No elevator, right? The escalator is much safer, isn't it?" And, here we go, the glare show is back! Fortunately, only for a few seconds, because Sally bursts into laughter.

We barely notice Lacey is going away. Only I wave her goodbye, but she's already on the escalator. I scratch my head. "Let's go, shall we?"

Adam butts in. "You owe us a lot for what we went through, dude, remember?" He's right. I can't get away with the incident scot free because of someone's indulgence. If I have to pay, I'll pay. Period.

I offer. "What about lunch? We'll have a chance to talk more, and I have a lot of explaining to do." I expect someone to refuse the offer and instead turn me in to the authorities for the safety hazard; however, to my surprise, everyone accepts, including Adam.

"You know what? Maybe I should reconsider my participation in the wedding." Bre's words startle me. What does that mean? Has she finally realized that she needs to start prioritizing her own happiness?

She continues. "Hyun—can I call you like that? Do you remember when I told you that marriage will bring only sadness and despair?" First of all, I'm fine of her calling me just Hyun. Secondly, I recall that part of the conversation perfectly. The bride does sound a little off, to be honest.

"Well, it's only a marriage of convenience. I actually expect him to say no at the altar and leave her. He's still into me!" I don't think Bre's delusional, especially after hearing these words. She simply believes in true love, but is done with having to prove it all the time.

Kaitlin suggests. "You should clear your mind first. Love is blind and can hurt, but, when nurtured, it's the most precious thing ever. Trust me." Bre nods. I take a deep breath, then clear my throat.

"At this point, it's a little too late to go to the food court. Why don't we leave directly? For the lunch I promised you, how about the day after tomorrow?" No-one pays me attention, to which I have to stomp a foot.

They take a hot minute to collect themselves and listen to me. Finally, Roy agrees for everyone. "Yes, it's a brilliant idea. What do you think?" No-one has the strength to object, so the plan sticks as it is.

We take our separate paths, knowing we'll meet again soon. Now, I have to find a way to contact Lacey. The reunion doesn't make sense without her, after all.